Just a word of warning...on Sept 25th, the first day UW had control of the clinic, Hawk was seen. This past Saturday, we received the bill for that appt. The total bill is $381.60. $356.50 of that total is listed as: 'Office Outpatient New 45*'. His insurance did not cover the fee.

So it looks like this is a charge for being a new patient. Well, he is not a new patient at this clinic. He's been seen in this clinic for close to 30 years. The UW is a new provider and we are being charged a new provider fee in addition to our increased taxes.

Is this clinic now a membership facility? When we started our care at Children's for our son, there was no charge like this. When we first came to the clinic many years ago there was no such charge. In the past 18 months I have seen five different specialists. I was a new patient at four of those clinics. Not one of those clinics had a charge like this and they were specialists, some in Seattle.

Is this how the UW will make sure they do not loose a penny on their venture with us? Both Hawk and I are profoundly disappointed in the turn care has taken on this island. This is just the latest in a frustrating course over the past 6 weeks. I will be looking into this charge as it is not itemized. It is criminal and we cannot afford these costs.

So a word of warning....be careful and ask questions when you schedule. FYI, there is a $200 deposit fee for patients without insurance too.

The charge is hard understand. I have Kaiser with a really high deductable. Bob did a procedure on me, removal of a cyst. My bill reflects the procedure and and new patient visit, Kaiser paid for the new patient/exam fee. I thought for sure they.... Read all

I can understand anyone not wanting to get caught up in online debate. But it doesn't seem that it would have to become a debate - just someone to issue a statement that clarifies IF there is a "new patient" charge.... Read all

Sasha, a number of months ago Crystal stated she would no longer try to debate the issues on Lopez Rocks. If you cannot get to the clinic see if you can contact via telephone.I can see where she would be willing to answer an individual's questions,.... Read all

Every time I've had questions,like the concerns discussed here,I've talked to Crystal at the clinic and she has been more than willing to discuss them with me.I've found that this has been productive and my blood pressure stays reasonable.

Thank you Joyce for the info... however, what I am talking about is how the visit is coded, as this determines how much the insurance is billed for. The rate for new patient vs. an established patient are different. As I mentioned in my coment below, if a.... Read all

I have worked in many dr. offices. When they contract with a health insurance company to become a provider they agree to accept the fee schedule for medical services that the insurance company sets. In other words, if the dr. charges $100 for an office.... Read all

I did a bit of research on the whole "new patient" thing. (I am not in the insurance business, nor an expert in any way, so please don't take this as gospel... but I believe the source I have is reliable.)

Maybe since Catherine Washburn was involved in negotiating this health care service, some of the funds that they have received in the past as donations to help those who cannot pay their medical bills should go toward this outrageous charge. Very.... Read all

Since this new patient fee seems to be a surprise, was this not brought up at any of the open houses or discussions on what changes to expect with the take-over of UW? If not, there really should have been as a few hundred dollars isn't spare change.... Read all

Opened my electronic Explanation of Benefits (EOB) yesterday, and sure enough, there was a New Patient Charge. Group Health/Kaiser denied it (rightly, because as previously said by others, it is a superfluous and excessive charge to formerly.... Read all

this surprises me. In the past year, I have seen six or seven new MD's in Seattle and have never been charged a new patient fee by any of them. This does not seem a very reasonable or compassionate way of beginning a new relationship in a community.... Read all

PS....after checking with other providers, I learned that altho it is not standard across the board, a new patient charge is not uncommon. However...many places charge $50-$100. Even if your insurance pays the fee...doesn't $356.50 seem high?? .... Read all

I had an emergent problem that arose on a Saturday. I called the clinic at 8am Monday and was answered by a UW representative probably in Seattle)who not only walked me through the registration but was able to schedule me that same day. It all took about.... Read all

Insofar as the complication of having to request our records be transferred (back) to Lopez Clinic, Paulette said that some of the other medical facilities that changed to go under the UW umbrella have had their records stay in the same office with the.... Read all

I am so sorry about what you have gone through and then to add insult to injury, this huge bill. Surely there is a more humane, compassionate and straightforward way that patients of the clinic can be seen without all this complicated calling here and.... Read all

Your post reminded me that I needed to contact UW to get registered as a "new" patient. When I called, I mentioned your bill, Heather (without mentioning your name) in expressing my own concerns about hidden costs I might encounter.

With everything being said about the new UW control of 'our" clinic, I am almost afraid to make the appointment I need to make. Do I have to register as a new patient before I go in? Will there be a charge for being "new"? We already.... Read all